Class of 2026 Promise News

There are a lot of other scholarships out there to help with other college expenses. This could include housing, a laptop, software for classes, lab equipment, and traveling expenses. You will need to check with your college's financial aid office once you've made your choice to be sure that you can use your financial aid for non-tuition expenses.

There a some good places to look for new scholarships. Check the deadlines.

• Check your high school email for Muskegon Area Promise eligibility. Accept it if you are eligible.
• Once you've been accepted to a college, check your college's scholarship portal for scholarships.
• There is a list of scholarships in Xello. There are also scholarship search pages in listed in Xello.
• If you are not sure if you will attend MCC or Baker College of Muskegon and use your Promise, you can apply for the Community Foundation for Muskegon County scholarships. Applications close February 12, 2026.

Pro tip: You can access your Xello account after you graduate and use the college and scholarship planning section.

• If you need letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or other adult; it helps to remind them of activities you've been involved in during high school.
• Follow up with them after a week if you are waiting for that letter.
• Some of these have to be sent through CommonApp or directly to the college or scholarship. If you aren't sure, you can check in with the adult to be sure it was sent.

1. Create your own FSA ID.
2. Talk to your parent(s)/guardian(s) about their FSA ID.
3. Do your FAFSA.
4. Make sure your parent/guardian does their portion (unless you have been declared independent by the court or your school)

Pro tip: Keep you, your counselor, parent(s), college advisor, and Promise staff on the same page. Track your FAFSA status in Xello. Remember, your FSA ID is a for-life account.

Your best starting point is always your high school counselor. If you attend CTC, you can also check in with Mrs. Wiles.

Some schools have a college advisor or other staff who help students with college-going activities.

You can always contact the financial aid office at a college for help. Both Muskegon Community College and Baker College of Muskegon have staff available to help anyone with their FAFSA.

I'm available to work with any potential promise student or parent. You can schedule to meet online or in person at the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center if you need help. I also work with your high school counselors on many college-going activities.

Class of 2026 students are eligible for the Promise if they:

• Complete the FAFSA for 2026-2027 (opens October 1).
• Live in the Muskegon Area ISD (MAISD) boundaries. You can check your address here.
• Graduate with a high school diploma from a school in the MAISD or be in a registered homeschool.
• Have a qualifying GPA of 2.500+ at their high school. This GPA must be unweighted and cumulative.
• Attend one of our partner post-secondary centers: Baker College of Muskegon, Muskegon Community College, NUVO College of Cosmetology, or another local training center.

* Student who finish their associate's degree while in high school (like early college students) can use their award towards a Bachelor's degree at Baker College of Muskegon.